If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Traditional Shaving Tattoo

Greetings! I've been looking at getting my first tattoo. I'm a big fan of both traditional shaving and traditional tattoos. I'm looking for ideas. As shown in my example above I'm looking for something in the sailor jerry style. I'm just wondering if anyone here has anything along this theme featuring straight razors, shaving gear, etc.

I have a straight razor tattooed on my right calf. Be aware that some items have certain meanings in the tattoo world and that people may make assumptions based on your art.
A straight razor, for instance, often signifies that the wearer is a rehabilatated drug user or alcoholic. The razor, being straight, symbolises straight edge.
As an ex user my straight razor is surrounded by roses (new life) and has a diamond in the middle (hard, forged by pressure). I'm happy for people who can read the signs to know my past.
Obviously a tattoo is a highly personal thing and what means something to me may mean something totally different to you, but you should be aware that if you get a straight razor tattooed on you, people may assume you were an addict.

Pete

'Follow that will and that way which experience confirms to be your own, i.e., the true expression of your individuality'- Carl Jung

Obviously a tattoo is a highly personal thing and what means something to me may mean something totally different to you, but you should be aware that if you get a straight razor tattooed on you, people may assume you were an addict.

Pete

Would "Addicted to shaving" do? Not to make light of the symbollism.

After 5 years working "behind razor wire" seeing both fantastic and horrendous tats - I hadn't heard that particular meaning. Although, not many people on enforced holidays probably feel a need to publicly display their former/addict status. Neither do the caretakers tend toward that particular motivation for inking, even though they are as inked as the people they are looking after.

I was just talking to my friend who is a tattoo artist a couple weeks ago about tatting a straight on me for my first tat. I too love traditional tattoo artwork and Sailor Jerry is about as traditional as it gets. I love that pic. Are you for sure going to get it because I might just steal it from you.

I do not have much experience at all reading the true meaning of tattoos but in my opinion that tattoo kinda tells me that you live a life of being hard. If I mess with you I will either get the billy club, the razor, or the knucks to the face or neck. I do not perceive that as a traditional shaving type tattoo. I mean no disrespect to your decision or interest, that was just the first thing that came to mind.

When I think of a traditional shaving tattoo I think like the nose art of a WWII bomber with a pin up girl holding a straight razor. I do know that A lot of folks have that sort of rockabilly tattoo but how many have one of a pin up girl holding a razor?

i do not have much experience at all reading the true meaning of tattoos but in my opinion that tattoo kinda tells me that you live a life of being hard. If i mess with you i will either get the billy club, the razor, or the knucks to the face or neck. I do not perceive that as a traditional shaving type tattoo. I mean no disrespect to your decision or interest, that was just the first thing that came to mind.

When i think of a traditional shaving tattoo i think like the nose art of a wwii bomber with a pin up girl holding a straight razor. I do know that a lot of folks have that sort of rockabilly tattoo but how many have one of a pin up girl holding a razor?

The whole design makes me think of the "razor gangs" of 19th century Sydney.

When a "razor gang" was a bunch of standover thugs, who cut you up if you didn't pay your "insurance".
No doubt, the billy club and dusters fit right in there.

Straight razor in your den = badass

I haven't switched over yet, they seem to take a lot of perseverance and effort to do well. (Hone, strop and whatever else)

I like this one, maybe without the white ribbon and less blood. Most of the tats that came back on google seem to associate straights with weapons used to kill etc ... just look at all that blood on this pic??? But after being told what they really mean I get it now.

If you're keen to make it about your appreciation for straight shaving maybe the straight with a barberpole or a hot chick through the middle.

The whole design makes me think of the "razor gangs" of 19th century Sydney.

When a "razor gang" was a bunch of standover thugs, who cut you up if you didn't pay your "insurance".
No doubt, the billy club and dusters fit right in there.

I was reading about them at the Femme Fatale exhibition at the Justice & Police Museum in Sydney. Did you get a chance to visit that? Seems they were quite fond of Bengalls, judging from the razors on display.